A Line Mechanic reports a B757-200 #1 engine thrust reverser would not deploy on landing. No mention of throttle stiffness in any phase of flight by the crew; the left thrust reverser was subsequently deactivated.

Narrative

January 2010; I worked a B757-200 flight at gate. I spoke with the inbound crew about any inbound issues. They briefly said they had three items. They said there was a 1-left crew seat cover problem; an ACARS paper jam and that the left hand thrust reverser would not deploy. There was no mention of throttle stiffness in any phase of flight. I then reviewed the logbook and addressed the throttle reverse item. I troubleshot and verified that the left reverse thrust lever would not advance and Thrust lever would not deploy. I then advanced the Throttle levers with no indication of stiffness and I worked the stiffness in the left reverser lever. At this point I decided to placard the left thrust reverser inoperative. I brought the logbook into my Lead to call Maintenance Control for an MEL while I accomplished the maintenance procedures for the left throttle reverse deactivation. The Lead and I discussed the throttle stiffness and agreed; based on the findings that the stiffness was isolated to the reverse thrust lever. At this point the aircraft was released. I was notified a couple of weeks later by an FAA Inspector of a possible violation. I feel that this may have been avoided if there was stiffness in the left throttle by having two separate log items. Possibly a more thorough debriefing from the inbound crew could have avoided any confusion. I should have viewed this as two separate items which could have avoided any future failures. Pilot report stated: # 1 engine does not reverse. Throttle very stiff. I addressed item for reverse throttle stiff and reverser not deploying.